Thankful in Trials

Title: Thankful inTrials Scripture: James 1:2–4, Romans 5:3–5

Introduction

Four guys decided to go mountain climbing one weekend. In the middle of the climb, one fella slipped over a cliff, dropped about sixty feet, and landed with a thud on the ledge below. The other three, hoping to rescue him, yelled, “Joe are you OK?” “I’m alive ... but I think I broke both my arms!” “We’ll toss a rope down to you and pull you up. Just lie still!” said the three. “Fine,” answered Joe. A couple of minutes after dropping one end of the rope, they started tugging and grunting together, working feverishly to pull their wounded companion to safety. When they had him about three-fourths of the way up, they suddenly remembered he said he had broken both arms. “Joe! If you broke both arms, how in the world are you hanging on?” Joe responded, “With my TEEEEEEEETH....” (Charles Swindoll, Standing Out).

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Trials are part of every Christian’s journey, yet the Bible calls us to find joy and gratitude even in difficult circumstances. James 1:2–4 challenges us to view trials not as punishments or setbacks but as opportunities for growth, inviting us to see God’s work in every hardship.

Point 1: Recognizing the Purpose of Trials (James 1:2–4)

Explanation: James tells us to “count it all joy” when we face trials because testing of our faith produces perseverance. This is not joy for the pain itself but joy in knowing that God is using it to deepen our character.

Supporting Scripture:

Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”1 Peter 1:6–7 - Trials refine our faith, like gold being purified by fire.

Illustration: Vance Havner said: “Sometimes your medicine bottle has on it, “Shake well before using.” That is what God has to do with some of us sometimes. He has to shake us well before we are usable.”  (Vance Havner)

Application: Invite the congregation to reflect on their own challenges and to pray for God to reveal His purpose in these struggles. Encourage them to thank God for how He is working in their lives, even when it’s not visible.

Point 2: Learning Endurance Through Hardship (Romans 5:3–5)

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Explanation: Romans 5:3–5 teaches that suffering produces perseverance, which leads to character and hope. God uses hardship to build endurance within us, developing qualities we couldn’t gain in ease and comfort.

Illustration: Share the analogy of an athlete training for a marathon. Each practice session pushes them past their comfort zone, building strength and resilience that wouldn’t be possible without hard work and endurance. Our trials are like God’s spiritual “training ground” for us.

Application: Challenge the congregation to see each hardship as an opportunity to grow in endurance and character, ultimately deepening their hope in God. Encourage them to thank God in their prayers for the ways He strengthens them through trials.

Point 3: Cultivating Hope and Joy in the Midst of Trials (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

Explanation: Paul tells the Thessalonians that they received the message with joy “in the midst of severe suffering.” This joy and hope come not from the absence of pain but from the presence of God and the promise of His faithfulness.

Illustration: The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small uninhabited island. He cried out to God to save him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a rough hut and put his few possessions in it. But then one day, after hunting for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; he was stung with grief. Early the next day, though, a ship drew near the island and rescued him. “How did you know I was here?” he asked the crew. We saw your smoke signal,” they replied. (John Yates, Falls Church, Virginia, Leadership, Winter Quarter, 1992, p. 57).

Application: Encourage the congregation to cultivate joy by drawing near to God in prayer, worship, and Scripture. This joy is not based on circumstances but on knowing God is with us. Challenge them to thank God for His presence and the eternal hope He offers.

Conclusion

Close with a reminder that thankfulness in trials is a mark of mature faith, and that through our hardships, God is making us more like Christ. End with a prayer for strength, growth, and joy in all circumstances.